Also known as golden root and “arctic root,” rhodiola is a supplement that is taken to treat stress, fatigue, and a variety of other common conditions. Made from the rhodiola plant, which grows at cold, high altitudes in Europe, rhodiola can be used in tablet form or taken as a tincture.
People who practice Eastern medicine, as well as European medical professionals in Scandinavia and Russia, classify this supplement as an adaptogen — a non-toxic plant that helps protect the body from the effects of stress.
But should you take rhodiola? Learn about the health benefits and risks of rhodiola before you add it to your diet.
Health Benefits
Those who take rhodiola regularly tout its benefits in everything from reducing fatigue to helping people combat anxiety and depression. It can also help improve stamina, energy, and athletic performance.
Other health benefits of rhodiola include:
Reducing Anxiety
In the current era, people are busier than ever. We are plugged in and available at all times, which is exciting, but it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed or worried. Anxiety is the feeling of extreme worry. Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but sometimes the feelings control you, and that’s when it becomes a problem called an anxiety disorder.
Rhodiola helps to reduce anxiety and ease the effects of stress through the presence of antioxidants in its makeup. Your body uses antioxidants — like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E — to fight cell damage from molecules called free radicals. Plants and fruits are rich in these antioxidants.
A study discussed in an article in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry showed that taking antioxidants also helped reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. The study noted that people with these conditions had lower levels of antioxidants in their bodies at the onset of the study. After taking antioxidants for a set period, many of the participants showed a decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression.
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